Notes

Cultural Influences - The United States is known for being a 'melting pot' of the world's civilizations and is continually increasing in diversity. There are people from various countries and places around the globe. The teens of the United States, in many instances, are juggling the world of western medicine and health care with cultural practices that may be strikingly different. For example, did you know there are some cultures who do not believe in eating processed foods? Or others who do not believe that blood transfusions are acceptable medical practice? Adolescents may be making their health decisions based upon past experiences with a foreign health care system, lack of knowledge of available resources, or the type of health problem. The caregiver may also have cultural influences which then impact the teens in their care. The juggling act of cultures may prove to be detrimental to the overall health of the teen. The health care system must take these cultural differences into account when communicating with adolescents and their caregivers.

Peer and Family Influences - It should be no surprise that families and peers have an enormous impact on a teen's health. A family environment may impact a teen in a positive or negative way; the availability and access to nutritional choices, exercise regimens, sleep habits, education, conflict resolution, communication skills, and personal hygiene are among the many influences of families. Parents also pass along certain medical traits to their children. These traits influence how we look, what disease we may be prone to and even how oily our skin is. These traits that are passed along are part of our heredity.

On the other hand, our peers, which comprise of either our immediate social group or the extended group of acquaintances in a variety of environments may influence our decision making or choices. They impact our health. Peer pressure, friendships and relationships may provide choices that make us healthier or to cause us to take risks. It is many times argued that 'we are a product of our environment' and certainly our peer group and family comprise a significant influence within our environment.

School and Community Influences - We live in a very mobile society. Sometimes our family will carefully screen the available communities and schools prior to decisions being made about where to live. The community and school environment will also affect a teen's health. They may ask questions like, if in the context of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, will there be a safe and secure environment for teens? Are there opportunities to nurture relationships in an inclusive and positive social environment, either at school or in affordable and available community centers? The mobility of our society makes it difficult for some, who find themselves uprooted often while trying to also 'find themselves' during the adolescent years. The teen who feels at home where ever they may reside will certainly see a benefit in their physical, social, and mental health.

The environment is part of community. The environment impacts the air, water and food. Polluted water can affect health. Hazardous food conditions can also affect health. The environment plays a key role in the health of its citizens.

Technological/Media Influences - Today's teens are the most technological savvy generation in our history. They use technology to communicate with friends near and far, update their life status for all to see, expand their circle of 'friends' worldwide, inform themselves of marketing and brand innovations, shop for anything from clothing, cars, digital music and books, to completing research for educational purposes. Technology and the media have 24/7 influence on many of the teens today. Technology is good; but technology can also have a very negative affect on health.Write a note in this area. It's really easy to share with others. Click here ...